Sources! Find the irony

When searching for sources in English 101, I’ve found that it is best to search for a source on the general topic of my paper to start with. Once you have found a couple of different options to look through, you should skim them to find which ones have the most relevant information. This is a long and daunting task, but when you find an article or a book worth citing, it adds a lot of depth to the paper. This is true only if it directly pertains to your topic. As They Say, I Say mentions, you need to make sure that you don’t “quote and run” (41). If the quote or paraphrase does not add insight into your topic, or is not placed in a proper location, it is worthless to your paper.

It is also important to find enough sources that you not only have appropriate information to support your thesis, but that you also have multiple theories, opinions, or facts to refer to in order to build credibility. This shows that you really did research and put time and effort into the paper.

In high school, I was taught that you know where to place quotes or sources in your paper by judging where you have concrete details (CD) and commentary (CM). The method usually alternates with between one CD and one or two CMs, then repeat it. Basically, when you use a concrete detail, or a source, make sure to back it up with your commentary—an explanation and why it is relevant to your thesis—before you introduce another concrete detail. The reason behind this formula is that your paper has a nice flow while incorporating your own personal touch with the facts. This makes for a supported, and hopefully interesting paper.